Principal Responsibilities Administration • Oversees daily operations at the preschool school. • Maintains institutional policies and procedures for preschool operations. • Ensures that the school and staff are in full compliance with early childhood governmental laws, regulations and requirements. • Facilitates preparation for and implementation of parent teacher communications and conferences. • Reports to the Fortune Preschool Executive Director. Enrollment • Supports strategies to maintain existing students, recruit and grow enrollment. • Promotes a positive image of the school to existing and prospective families. Teachers & Staff • Supervises and formally evaluates all preschool staff. • Assists preschool in setting annual professional goals. • Conducts frequent classroom observations and provides coaching to teachers as needed. • Determines personnel requirements, recruiting and evaluation of teaching staff. • Creates a work environment that encourages team building and staff collaboration. • Plans and provides staff development opportunities and training. • Ensures that professional conduct at the preschool exemplifies the image and philosophy of Fortune Schools. • Mentors teachers in implementing Reggio principles in classroom practice. • Assists Teachers in conducting parent conferences and writing reports as needed. Education • Provides a vision for continuous program improvement by remaining current on issues and trends in early childhood education. • Guides faculty in achieving educational excellence. • Collaborates with the Early Childhood Program Director in regard to student teachers and college level educational programs provided by Fortune School of Education. • Oversees program evaluation and staff instruction. • Collaborates with teachers to plan instructional activities and lessons. • Conducts classroom teaching and monitors student progress in collaboration as needed. • Provides leadership in special education needs. • Maintains school discipline policy in a consistent and respectful manner. • Provides support for behavioral and learning issues in collaboration with the teachers. Communication and Community Relations • Interacts, listens and responds appropriately to staff, parent and community concerns • Respects differences of opinion and fosters open communications among staff and families • Communicates effectively with children, teachers, and parents individually and in groups • Maintains communication with the appropriate central office administrators informed of school activities and possible issues • Collaborates with central office and other preschool sites to share ideas and concerns • Interacts with staff and parent groups to promote positive outcomes • Encourages parent visits and involvement in decision making • Keeps the community informed about school activities through newsletters, news releases, parent meetings, etc. Fortune Preschool Program and Philosophy Mission: Our mission is to close the achievement gap for African American students and graduate high-achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society. Philosophy: Fortune Preschool has adopted the Reggio Emilia approach founded by Loris Malaguzzi from Reggio Emilia, Italy. The approach focuses on how children learn, their relationship to the world around them, and the joy children experience from learning. Foundations of the Reggio Emilia approach • The image of the child • The child’s relationships and interactions within a system • The role of parents • The third teacher, the environment • Teachers and children are partners in learning • The power of documentation WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Abilities Hearing and speaking to conduct group training, exchange information in person electronically and on the telephone Ability to read printed material and computer screens. Ability to understand speech at normal levels Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment Ability to climb stairs, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to lift and carry 10 pounds Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions Fortune School of Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.